The results are in for our informal non-scientific poll about the most stressful, anxiety producing aspects of planning and hosting the perfect event. 98.7% of you responded that more than anything else you were consumed with losing 5-30 pounds prior to your big event. Losing weight beat out planning your meal, choosing the theme, decor, and party supplies, making your seating chart, and weight loss even topped finding the perfect outfit to wear. Continue Reading →

If you're anything like us, you may need a reset on that weight loss resolution as we enter our third week of 2013. Don't get down on yourselves and give up, we are considering those first three weeks practice anyway. Reset your calendar and join us with our new bistroMD eating plan.

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We get it, you're busy, and just like us chances are you don't have time to grocery shop for fresh and expensive ingredients to create yourself gourmet healthy meals at the end of a long day. We're with you, and that's why we love bistroMD's new personalized meal plans. Not only are they healthy and do not contain fillers or MSG like some other packaged meal plans, they are completely customizable with specifically designed programs for men and women. Don't like fish? Then take fish completely out of your personal meal plan. How great is that? No more choking down foods you don't enjoy just because they are part of the pre-set diet plan you signed up for.

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This is plan is no powdered shake, dehydrated soup or boxed food either! We wont be starving ourselves to get back into bikini shape for Spring Break in Cabo or fit into that special occasion dress for summer weddings . On bistroMD's new meal plan we will be enjoying dishes like buckwheat berry pancakes, chicken burrito bowls and broccoli and beef. YUM! So join us this year and take the healthy and nutritious route to achieve your resolution! bistroMD couldn't make this any easier, just choose your foods, order them customized to your taste, and wait for the delivery (which right now is free!)

Activated almonds are trending everywhere today! Social media is all abuzz mocking Australian celebrity Chef Peter Evans who recently revealed his typical daily diet includes activated almonds. Our first question, like that of many others was, what the heck are activated nuts? The Australian natural health magazine Wellbeing defines an activated nut as “a nut that has been soaked and sprouted to release its enzyme inhibitors”.

The article goes on to explain:

Why should nuts be activated?

All nuts (and this includes seeds too) have an enzyme inhibitor that keeps them from sprouting into a tree, bush or plant that they carry inside of them. Once they are planted in the ground and given some water, the enzyme inhibitor is destroyed and the nut/seed can begin to sprout.

So, when you eat a lot of nuts and/or seeds, you can end up with a lot of that enzyme inhibitor in your digestive tract and that just slows everything down. It can actually result in digestive distress in much the same way gluten does. Constipation, stomach cramps and bloating are examples of some issues people have eating raw, unactivated nuts.

The more enzymes you eat, the less of your own body’s enzymes are required to break down food…which keeps you younger, longer too.

So in plain English, these are nuts that are soaked and dried for 12-24 hours in order to get rid of those things that slow down your digestive system.

Now that we know exactly what activated almonds are we spent way too much time trying to find them online . After a frustrating search we finally realized Amazon stocks various flavored raw organic activated almonds. The best alternative is to make them yourself.

Soak raw organic almonds in water for 12 hrs.NOTE:After soaking, the nuts will look nice and puffy and may even start to show signs of sprouting.

Rinse the nuts under running water, and if you want to add flavor – now is the time to do it. Just shake a couple of tsp of sea salt, garlic salt, dehydrated onion powder, tamari or curry powder over the wet (rinsed) almonds, and stir to combine well.NOTE: If you want, you can use and eat the activated almonds as they are, without roasting them.

Now, “roast' the almonds by drying out the nuts on low heat – either in a dehydrator or on the lowest temperature your oven will do (ie 140F). This will take anywhere from 6-24 hrs, depending on the temperature you're using. The nuts will be done when they feel (and taste) dry.

Everything and Anything!

Party at Home!

Today’s PIP’s Picks!

PIP’s Picks are BACK!. Each day we will feature a deal that tickles our fancy. It may be something small like a darling host{ess} gift or something as fabulous as the latest and greatest Gucci find. Check back often!

One more option >> these washable face shields, are designed to protect against sun, wind, and particles. We have no idea whether they could protect against a virus but they are fun and, since they are breathable, may be more comfortable to wear while exercising.Face Shields

We found premium natural hand sanitizer, in stock! Buy a single spray bottle, buy a package of 3 or 6 or even buy 48 in bulk. Keep a bottle at home, one in the car, and tie a ribbon around the extras to gift to friends and neighbors. Stay well!